Window construction



MalCh 17 1959 G. FULvio 2,877,512

' WINDOW CONSTRUCTION Filed Dec.` 2, 1957 /N VEN TOR r y By GENNARO FUI. V/O "Wu fl# 6772( AGENT United States @Patent O 2,877,512 WiNDoW -coNsrnUcrroN Gennaro Fulvio, Bronx "County, N. Y.

Application December 2, 1957, Serial No. 700,182

z claims. (C1. 20-44) i 'Ihis invention relates to the construction of windows and particularly to the construction of windows having a plurality of movable sash.

The existence of large buildings with thousands of Windows has long presented the problem of maintaining these windows in a clean and weather tight condition. The prevailing solution has been the employment of men to periodically, using supporting straps and standing on narrow ledges, clean these windows from the outside. Such a solution as well as endangering lives, necessarily results in imperfect performance due to the precariousness of the workers perch. When these windows become broken or deteriorate under weather, a similar dangerous working problem is posed. Although on a smaller scale, the average houseowner is faced with a similar problem.

An object of this invention is the provision of a win dow which may be easily cleaned and maintained.

Another object of this invention is the provision of. an outside window that may be cleaned and maintained without necessitating acts dangerous to life.

`In addition to the maintenance requirements of items encountered in the building art, an essential element to be considered is the original cost of installation thereof. For both efficiency and economy, materials of lower initial cost and which require less labor to fabricate into a finished product are widely sought. The average window today has an upper and lower sash slidably mounted in the trim with a bead separating each, and each sash being supported by a counterbalance arrangement. The weights used for such counterbalancing are generally disposed within box-like chambers on each side of the window. Replacement and repair of the linkage between sash and weights, is an often destructive task requiring removal of painted trim and disruption of the internal framing of the building. Clearly it is advantageous to eliminate the need of such intricate trimming for concealment of the mechanical portions of a window.

Accordingly, another object of this invention is the provision of a window requiring a minimum amount of labor and hardware for installation and maintenance.

Still another object of this invention is the provision of a window having sash that do not require devices internal to the Walls of a building for support.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a window which takes full advantage of lightweight construction materials.

By providing means for mounting the sash ofr a window so that they may be rotated into the room, this invention is able to attain the safety and ease of maintenance objectives set forth above. The objectives dealing with construction are attained by unique devices and `features hereinafter described.

In the past means have been developed for rotating window sash into the room. Some of these means have :suggested modifications of existing counterbalanced Sash, and other completely new techniques. In general, however, each of these means has included movable elements of trim. These movable elements were necessary ICC in order to provide operating` channels and weather buffers when the windows were in their normally closed positions. Their mobility however, hampered their effectiveness.

A feature of the present invention relates to the provision of means for rotating any sash of a multisash window into the room Without disturbing or displacing trim.

For convenience in cleaning and repairing, another feature of this invention is the provision of means for. raising or lowering such rotated sash to a convenient position.

The functions normally fulfilled by channels, separating beads, and sash weights, are performed in this invention by utilizing metal rods extending the entire length` of the window. Due to light building materials these rods may have a relatively small diameter (the actual size being determined by the size of window), and may be mounted in a position slightly behind a face trim. By employing these rods essentially as extended hinge pins it is possible to obtain an eiiicient and practical window. These rods thus perform the duties of unique supporting means, serving as a sash support, guide rail, and pivot means. In addition, by permanently mounting these rods within the Window frame and securing the individual sash thereto with easily removed means, the. sash may be installed or removed for maintenance in a matter of minutes.

Thus, another feature of the present invention relates to the provision in a window of a pair of substantially concealed supporting rods upon which sash are mounted.

Still another feature is the provision of means in such a window for securing the sash to the support rods in a rigid and yet easily detachable fashion.

A further feature of this invention is the provision of means for placing the window of this invention in frames originally constructed for other types of windows.

Basically, this invention discloses the novel utilization of rods on both sides of a window to provide support, guiding, and pivot means for the sash. These rods function as extended hinge pins for devices securely attached to the sash and, as will be shown, by mounting the sash in a single plane, less space is required, more rigidity obtained, and more weather-tight construction achieved.

The foregoing, as well as additional objects and features, will be more clearly understood and appreciated from the description below made in connection withthe drawings wherein:

Fig. l is an interior elevation of a window embodying the elements of this invention;

Figs. 2a, 2b, and 2c are sketches of several possible positions the sash contemplated by this invention may assume;

Fig. 3 is a sectional View of the upper window con# struction taken on line 3 3 of Fig. l;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the junction between upperv and lower sash takenl on line 4-4 of Fig. l;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the lower window construction taken on line 5--5 of Fig. l; and

Fig. 6 is a sectional View showing the positioning and orientation of the vertical support rods of this invention and is taken on line 6-6 of Fig. l. v

Considering the drawings generally, it will be understood that the same part as it appears in different figures retains its original part designation.

herein to limit the invention to the particular fabrication It will be further understood that both wood and metal parts are illus' The sectional Views illustrated. Indeed, any similar construction consonant with the teachings herein would be suitable.

Investigating Fig. l, it will be apparent that the window of this invention is quite similar in appearance to that encounteredL in present day easement windows. Unique" in their presence, however, are rods 10 and 11. These rods extend vertically on both sides of the window. Sash 14, the upper sash, is secured to members 16 .which in turn encircle rod 10 and so support the sash inthe position shown. Similarly, lower sash 15 is secured to members 17 which in turn encircle rod 11Ato support the sash. These basic elements cooperate to provide extreme ease and flexibility in window operation as is hereinafter more fully described.

It should be noted that a regular wooden frame is utilized as a foundation for the construction of this window.

`This permits installation of such a window in frame houses without extensive changes in the plans thereof. Familiar portions of this frame are facing 20, sill 21, and apron 22. j

Figs. 2a, 2b, and 2c illustrate three of the possible positions attainable with this window: Fig. 2a shows both upper and lower sash, 14 and 15 respectively, partially opened, Fig. 2b shows both upper and lower sash fully opened, and Fig. 2c shows the upper sash fully opened and also lowered to a level equivalent to that of the lower sash. As subsequent discussion will show, lower sash 15 may also be raised to the position normallyv occupied by upper sash 14. Actually, there is no limitation upon the extent of vertical translation availablewithin the frame to each sash, and similarly there is no limitation (other than decorative trim) upon the degree of rotation available to each sash.

Figs. 3, 4, 5, and 6 clearly illustrate the features present in the particular embodiment depicted in Fig. 1.k As previously mentioned these figures are'sectional views ytaken along lines on Fig. l.

First considering Fig. 3, which shows the upper sash nesting in the upper frame of the window, it will be noted that an upper portion of the metallic frame 26 is fastened to the wooden frame by a common wood screw 28. Any suitable means is acceptable. By utilizing an angle forv portion 26, the weather may be excluded. A water shed 27 mounted upon the outer surface of this angle prevents water from seeping into the upper joint between window and frame. Rod 11 is seen embedded in header bar 12 in any suitable immovable fashion. The upper sash for descriptive purposes has been depicted by frame 45, window pane 29, and neoprene channel 30. Standard construction will suice. Locking bar 25 is of a slipbolt design and is mounted on the inner surface of the upper sash, nding its mating hole 43 in header bar 12. When wind and Weather beat against the outer surface of the window, bar 25 or its equivalent is required to maintain rigidity.

The meeting rail or junction of the coplanar sash is depicted in Fig. 4.

The rigidity of the sash is implementcd at this point by a tongue and groove arrangement. Frame 45 of the upper sash is provided with channel or groove 31 into which tongue 32 of lower sash frame 46 is directed. In closed position, as illustrated, the upper sash rests upon the lower, bearing not only downwardly, but also horizontally thereby providing a weather-tight joint. A lifting means, shown as handle 23, is provided to disengage the tongue and groove and thus permit the rotation of the sash hereinafter described.

Fig. furnishes a view of the lower sash contact with the lower frame. Plate 13 rests upon wooden sill 21 and provides a base for sash frame 46. The inner lip of plate 13 in conjunction with plate 36 provides a channel in which sash frame 45 is nested when the window is closed. Weep hole 44 is available to run off accumulated water, thereby maintaining inner surfaces dry. A standard design weather guard 35 is also contemplated to still fur-` ther oer weather protection. Any of the current techniques are acceptable for binding the necessary surfaces encountered in the illustrated construction, including welding and bolting. A lifting means, shown as handle 24, is also provided for the lower sash. Also visible in Fig. 5 is the lower end of rod 11 which is seen to be immovably mounted in plate 13.

It is in Fig. 6 that the hinge elements essential to this invention are most clearly shown. In effect, members 16 and 17 coact with rods 10 and 11, respectively, in the same fashion as loose hinges might coact with elongated hinge pins. To more clearly consider the detail of the members, consider rod 10 and its associated members 16. By producing a substantially U-shaped member and slightly crimping the radial portion around the rod, a hinge-like junction is formed. The bearing surface of members 16 is then made sufficient to support a sash secured to the legs of the U. Two such members are contemplated per sash as illustrated in Fig. l. These members are by their design able to move vertically alongI their associated rod and also rotate about the rod. Thus, the attached sash also has these directions of movement. For flexibility hinge members 16 maybe secured to sash frame 45 by screws and thereby be easily removed, however, welding is also possible.

To operate the window herein described it is merely necessary to raise the upper sash 14 by lifting up on member 23 in order to disengage tongue and groove 32, 31. Providing that locking bar 25 is not in closed position in hole 43, the upper sash will then pivot about rod 10, and once rotated inward beyond the lower sash, it may also be translated vertically. Upon removal of the upper sash 14 from its closed position, the lower sash 15 may also be moved; tirst upward clearing plate 13, then rotationally or vertically upon rod 11.

Pins 18 and 19 are provided in member 16 and 17, respectively, in order to secure the sash in any vertical position desired. These pins may be threaded so that a friction grip is established between the rods and the pins,

or they may be spring actuated to coact with holes located in the rods. Any suitable means may be provided for support without departing from the inventive concepts' and element 40 may be used to enhance the internal appearance of the window.

` The above detailed description is illustrative of the fea-" tures of this invention. As previously noted, structural details of the window sash itself, and elements of the trim' may be altered and itis not intended to limit the invention l to these specific details. Such alterationscould be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the in vention.

What is claimed is:

l. A window assembly for mounting within a standard frame comprising in combination, an upper member se cured to said frame and having a tange extending 'clown-f ward therefrom, a lower member secured to saidv framet and having a channel therein, two side members secured to the sides of said frame and having a flange extending,

inward toward the center of said frame, circular rods mounted parallel to said side members and immovably secured to said upper and lower members, upper and' lower coplanar sash between said rods and within said upper, lower, and side members, the outer surface of,

said upper sash resting against the flanges on said upper and said side members when closed, and the outer surface of said lower sash resting against the ange on said side members, its lower edge being nested in said channei` when closed, a tongue and groove connection between said upper and lower sash, sleeve members encircling said circular rods and adapted to rotate and slide thereon,

means for securing said sleeve members on one of said' rods to the adacent edge of the upper sash, and means for securing said sleeve members on the other of said rods to the adjacent edge of the lower sash, locking means on the inside of said upper sash operative to engage said upper member to lock said upper sash in a closed position, lifting means on said upper sash for disengaging said tongue and groove connection between said upper and lower sash, and lifting means on said lower sash for freeing it from said channel, whereby said sash may be pivoted about their respective rods and vertically translated thereover.

2. A window assembly for mounting within a substantially rectangular frame comprising in combination, a first member secured to said frame and having a flange extending inward therefrom, a second member secured to the opposite side of said frame and having a channel therein, a third and a fourth member, each secured to a remaining side of said frame and having a ilange extending inward toward the center thereof, circular rods mounted parallel to said third and fourth members and immovably secured to said first and second members, coplanar sash between said rods and within said four members, the outer surface of one of said sashes resting against the anges on said irst, third, and fourth members when closed, and the outer surface of another of said sashes resting against the anges on said third and fourth members, one edge thereof being nested in said channel when closed, an interlock between said sashes, sleeve members encircling said circular rods and adapted to rotate and slide thereon, inhibiting means within said sleeve members to prohibit said rotation and sliding, means for securing the sleeve members on `one of said rods to the adjacent edge of said one sash, and means for securing the sleeve members on the other of said rods to the adjacent edge of said other sash, locking means on the inside `of one of said sashes operative to engage one of said members to lock said one sash in a closed position, means on said one sash for disengaging said interlock, and means on said other sash for freeing it from said channel.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 711,082 Stieglitz Oct. 14, 1902 1,835,828 Vollbrecht Dec. 8, 1931 2,165,943 Schuler July ll, 1939 2,564,299 Coughenour Aug. 14, 1951 

